Qualification and Assessment Specification

Transcription

1 Qualification and Assessment Specification NOCN Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Construction Operations and Civil Engineering Services Non Structural Concreting Qualification No: 601/7597/7 Operational Start Date: 1 st September 2015 Version 2.0 December

2 Introduction NOCN is a leading awarding organisation that has been creating amazing opportunities for learners for over 30 years. It is the organisation preserving the proud heritage of the Open College Network (OCN) in the UK and is a brand trusted by learners, colleges, training providers and employers who recognise NOCN qualifications as an indicator of competence and quality. An NOCN qualification can provide a learner with the skills and knowledge they need to get on in life, progress to further education or training, improve their job prospects and increase their health and personal wellbeing. This handbook is a resource for NOCN centres who wish to offer the NOCN Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Construction Non Structural Concreting. The qualification is relevant to organisations within the sector and organisations that employ staff for the sector. The handbook details the qualification specification and provides guidance to the training provider on assessment criteria and evidence requirements. Additional documents available to support the qualification and the location: Consolidated Assessment Strategy: 2

3 Contents Introduction NOCN Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Construction Operations and Civil Engineering Services Entry Requirements Progression Routes Qualification Details Qualification Structure Total Qualification Time (TQT) Assessment and Evidence Fair and Equitable Assessment Learners with Particular Requirements Recognised Prior Learning Assessment and Evidence for the components Centre Information Required Resources for Delivering the Qualification Offering the qualification Component Information

4 1. NOCN Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Construction Operations and Civil Engineering Services. This qualification is vocationally based and as such, offers the opportunity for learners to demonstrate an achievement of practical skills, understanding and knowledge in the workplace. Learners will gain knowledge on generic skills such as health and safety, and working productively as well as pouring concrete to form structures and placing and finishing non-specialist concrete. Learners must take a minimum of one component from each of the two optional groups. The fist group covers establishing work area protection and safety or segregating an area for highways work. The second group covers reinstating ground condition, excavation and highway surfaces, moving and handling, preparing and mixing and placing and compacting concrete. They could also consider preparing and operating forward tipping dumpers or ride-on-rollers, providing temporary excavation support, installing street ironworks, preparing for, arranging and securing plant directing and guiding vehicles, operating powered units and slinging and signalling This qualification has been developed with reference to the National Occupational Standards (NOS) and completion of the qualification will provide learners with evidence of their occupational competence and could enable them to progress onto additional training such as the NOCN Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision. Achievement of this qualification will provide the evidence required for the learner to apply for their Blue Skilled Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) - card. Further information on CSCS cards can be found here: The qualification will confirm occupational competence and/or license to practice 1.1. Entry Requirements Learners must be aged 16 and over and as a NVQ they must be employed in an appropriate role to be able to generate evidence of competence and simulation is not allowed. Colleges/training providers must ensure that all learners have the ability and attributes to achieve the qualification given access to the appropriate facilities, resources, training and support within a college/training provider and workplace setting. This could include a relevant level of literacy and numeracy Progression Routes Achievement of this qualification confirms the learner has gained the knowledge and skills required to: work in non-structural concreting occupations. progress onto a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Occupational Work Supervision 4

5 2. Qualification Details 2.1 Qualification Structure The NOCN Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Construction Operations and Civil Engineering Services is a 59 credit qualification with a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 590, including Guided Learning Hours (GLH). Learners must achieve 44 credits from Mandatory Group A. A minimum of 10 credits must be taken from one Component in Mandatory Group B. A minimum of 5 credits must be taken from one Component in Mandatory Group C. Mandatory Group A Component Title Conforming to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace Pouring Concrete to Form Structures in the Workplace Placing and Finishing Non-specialist Concrete in the Workplace Level Credit Value Mandatory or Optional Ofqual Component Reference Number 2 3 M K/507/ M R/507/ M D/507/ M J/507/8802 Mandatory Group B Component Title Segregating the Area for Highways Works in the Workplace Establishing Work Area Protection and Safety in the Workplace Level Credit Value Mandatory or Optional Ofqual Component Reference Number 2 12 O H/507/ O K/507/8758 Mandatory Group C Ofqual Component Title Credit Mandatory Component Level Value or Optional Reference Number Reinstating Ground Condition in the 2 12 O F/507/8815 5

6 Workplace Reinstating Excavation and Highway Surfaces in the Workplace Moving, Handling and Storing Resources in the Workplace Placing and Compacting Concrete in the Workplace Preparing and Mixing Concrete and Mortars in the Workplace Preparing and operating forward tipping dumpers to receive, transport and discharge materials in the workplace Providing Temporary Excavation Support in the Workplace Installing Street Ironwork in the Workplace Preparing for, and arranging and securing plant or machinery for transportation in the workplace Preparing to and directing and guiding the movement of vehicles, plant or machinery in the workplace Erecting and Dismantling Access/Working Platforms in the Workplace Preparing and operating powered units, tools or pedestrian plant, machinery or equipment in the workplace Slinging and hand signalling the movement of suspended loads in the workplace Preparing and operating ride-on rollers to compact materials in the workplace 2 12 O M/507/ O M/507/ O D/507/ O A/507/ O R/507/ O L/507/ O J/507/ O Y/507/ O F/507/ O H/507/ O F/507/ O J/507/ O Y/507/8755 6

7 2.2 Total Qualification Time (TQT) Through consultation with users, TQT has been agreed by considering the total number of learning hours required for the average learner to achieve this qualification. TQT is split into two areas: Guided Learning Hours (GLH): o learning activity under the immediate guidance or supervision of a lecturer, supervisor, tutor or other appropriate provider of education or training o includes the activity of being assessed if the assessment takes place under the immediate guidance or supervision of a lecturer, supervisor, tutor or other appropriate provider of education or training. Other Learning Hours (OLH): o an estimate of the number of hours a learner will spend, as directed by (but not under the immediate guidance or supervision of) a lecturer, supervisor, tutor or other appropriate provider of education or training, including: preparatory work self-study or any other form of education or training, including assessment. Examples of GLH activities include: Classroom-based learning supervised by a teacher Work-based learning supervised by a teacher Live webinar or telephone tutorial with a teach in real time E-learning supervised by a teacher in real time All forms of assessment which take place under the immediate guidance or supervision of an appropriate provider of training Exam time Examples of OLH activities include: Independent and unsupervised research/learning Unsupervised compilation of a portfolio of work experience Unsupervised e-learning Unsupervised e-assessment Unsupervised coursework Watching a pre-recorded podcast or webinar Unsupervised work-based learning The agreed Total Qualification Time has been used to identify the qualification s Credit Value. 2.3 Assessment and Evidence This qualification is internally set and internally assessed. Assessment activity must ensure evidence of achievement against all of the assessment criteria specified within each component. 7

8 Centres must ensure that knowledge based learning is at the correct level for the qualification, and relevant to the work or events likely to be encountered in the course of a non-structural concreting job role. Assessment activities must be robust in that they are: Valid Sufficient Reliable Authentic Fit for purpose in that they are suitable for the identified assessment criteria and offer the learner the opportunity to demonstrate achievement at the required level. Provide the opportunity for the learner to provide adequate evidence, showing full coverage of the requirements of the assessment criteria. Generate clear and consistent outcomes recognising that the activities may be applied to differing scenarios and in different contexts, with different learners. The evidence sought by the activity must be able to be assessed and result in assessment decisions that are consistent across all assessors and centres offering the qualification. Assessment activities should not deliberately offer an unfair advantage to or disadvantage specific groups of learners. Evidence presented must be the learner s own work. 2.4 Fair and Equitable Assessment Assessment must be designed to be accessible and inclusive and the assessment methodology must be appropriate for individual assessment, giving due consideration to any assessment requirements attached to individual components. 2.5 Learners with Particular Requirements If you are a NOCN Recognised Centre and have learners with particular requirements, please see the NOCN Reasonable Adjustments Policy and Procedure within the Centres, NOCN Centres, Processes and Documents Section on This policy gives clear guidance on the reasonable adjustments and arrangements that can be made to take account of disability or learning difficulty without compromising the assessment criteria. The NOCN Centre Recognition process requires the centre to hold policy statements on Equal Opportunities, Diversity and Disability Discrimination which will be reviewed by NOCN. Please contact compliance@nocn.org.uk for further details. 8

9 2.6 Recognised Prior Learning Recognising Prior Learning is an assessment process that recognises learning that has its origins in a learner s experience and/or previous formal and informal learning contexts. This includes knowledge and skills gained within school, college, university and outside formal learning situations such as through life, employment, apprenticeships and other work experiences. NOCN is committed to the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and has developed a policy and procedures to inform and support centres. This is available on the NOCN website at Assessment and Evidence for the components Internally set assessments Centres can use the following assessment methods: Observation of Performance in the Work Environment Examining Products of Work Oral / Written Questioning Discussion with the Learner Use of Others (Witness Testimony) Looking at Learner Statements Recognising Prior Learning Skills Tests Assignments Projects Case Studies Which can be presented in a portfolio of evidence. Forms and guidance for gathering learner evidence against the individual assessment criteria are available for download in Word format on the NOCN website: s. Alternatively, centres can use their own paperwork provided they ensure that the learners work is ordered and portfolio references provided as required. 9

10 3. Centre Information 3.1 Required Resources for Delivering the Qualification As part of the requirement to deliver this qualification there is an expectation that staff undertaking roles as part of the delivery and assessment of the qualification have a demonstrable level of expertise. NOCN expects that Tutors and Assessors are able to demonstrate the following competencies: Tutor Requirements NOCN expects Tutors/Assessors to have sufficient, verifiable, relevant current industry experience, knowledge and understanding of the occupational working area at, or above, the level being assessed. This must be of sufficient depth to be effective and reliable when judging candidates competence. Assessors experience, knowledge and understanding could be verified by a combination of: curriculum vitae and employer endorsement possession of a relevant NVQ/SVQ, or vocationally related qualification corporate membership of a relevant professional institution interview (The verification process must be recorded and available for audit) Assessor Requirements In accordance with the Consolidated Assessment Strategy for Construction and the Built Environment Craft, Supervisory, Managerial and Professional National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) NOCN expects assessors to have sufficient, verifiable, relevant current industry experience, knowledge and understanding of the occupational working area at, or above, the level being assessed. This must be of sufficient depth to be effective and reliable when judging candidates competence. Assessors experience, knowledge and understanding could be verified by a combination of: curriculum vitae and employer endorsement or references possession of a relevant NVQ/SVQ, or vocationally related qualification corporate membership of a relevant professional institution interview (The verification process must be recorded and available for audit) Assessors must have sufficient occupational expertise so they have up to date experience, knowledge and understanding of the particular aspects of work they are assessing. This could be verified by records of continuing professional development achievements. They should only assess in their acknowledged area of occupational 10

11 competence, have a sound, in-depth knowledge of, and uphold the integrity of, the sector s NOS and the Assessment Strategy (this document) and be prepared to participate in training activities for their continued professional development. Assessors must hold, or be working towards, a qualification as listed within Assessing and Assuring Quality of Assessment : RQF/QCF Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment RQF/QCF Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement RQF/QCF Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement RQF/QCF Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement an appropriate Assessor qualification in the SCQF as identified by SQA Accreditation or hold one of the following: A1 Assess candidates using a range of methods D32/33 Assess candidate performance, using differing sources of evidence Holders of A1 and D32/33 must assess to the current National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Learning and Development. In Scotland, approval for exemptions must be obtained from the SQA Accreditation Internal Quality Assurer Requirements Each centre must have internal quality assurance (formally internal verification) policies and procedures in place to ensure that decisions made by assessors are appropriate, consistent, fair and transparent, and that they do not discriminate against any learner. The policies and procedures must be sufficient to secure the quality of the award, ensuring validity, reliability, and consistency. Internal Quality Assurers must have sufficient, verifiable, relevant up to date experience, knowledge and understanding of the occupational working area at, or above, the level being verified. This must be of sufficient depth to be effective and reliable when verifying judgments about assessors assessment processes and decisions. Internal verifiers experience, knowledge and understanding could be verified by a combination of: curriculum vitae and employer endorsement or references possession of a relevant NVQ/SVQ, or vocationally related qualification corporate membership of a relevant professional institution interview (The verification process must be recorded and available for audit) Internal Quality Assurers must have expertise so they have up to date experience, knowledge and understanding of the particular aspects of work they are verifying. This could be verified by records of continuing professional development achievements They 11

12 must have a sound, in-depth knowledge of, and uphold the integrity of, the sector s NOS and the Assessment Strategy and be prepared to participate in training activities for their continued professional development Internal Quality Assurers must hold, or be working towards, a qualification as listed in Assessing and Assuring Quality of Assessment: RQF/QCF Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of the Assessment Process and Practice RQF/QCF Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Process and Practice an appropriate Internal Verifier qualification in the SCQF as identified by SQA Accreditation or hold one of the following: V1 Conduct internal quality assurance of the assessment process D34 Internal verify the assessment process Holders of V1/D34 must quality assure to the current National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Learning and Development. It is strongly recommended that within the role of Internal Quality Assurance one of the following qualifications is held: RQF/QCF Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment RQF/QCF Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement an appropriate Assessor qualification in the SCQF as identified by SQA Accreditation or one of the following: A1 Assess candidates using a range of methods D32/33 Assess candidate performance, using differing sources of evidence. Note: Selection and appointment of assessors and verifiers All applicants should be advised that they may be interviewed. Applicants CVs should be profiled against the activities and range of the NVQ/SVQ(s) they will assess/verify to check that the applicant has the relevant current experience, knowledge and understanding of the occupational working area: at, or above, the level they will be assessing of sufficient depth to credibly verify judgements and assessments to uphold the integrity of the NOS and this Consolidated Assessment Strategy. All assessors should have experience as well as, not in lieu of, qualifications. Where 12

13 there seem to be gaps in a potentially suitable applicant s experience and knowledge, the applicant should be interviewed. Successful applicants CVs, profiling, reasons for not needing to interview and interview records should be available for audit Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Centres are expected to support their staff, ensuring that their subject knowledge remains current and that their members of staff are up to date with regards to best practice in delivery, assessment and quality assurance External Quality Assurance Once recognised as a Centre, NOCN will allocate an External Quality Assurer. The External Quality Assurer will have ongoing responsibility for monitoring the Centre s compliance with the requirements of centre recognised status. The External Quality Assurer will make regular visits to all Centres. During these visits he/she will: Monitor the Centre s compliance with the Centre Recognition agreement by reviewing course documentation, meeting managers, tutors, internal quality assurers, learners and administrative staff. Verify the Award of Credit using the Recommendation for the Award of Credit form (RAC). Refer to the NOCN Quality Assurance User Guide for further information on the External Quality Assurance process. 3.2 Offering the qualification Existing Centres If you are already recognised to offer NOCN qualifications and would like more information about offering this qualification, please contact: business-enquiries@nocn.org.uk. Use Horizon to add this qualification to your centre. New Centres If you are interested in offering this qualification, but are not yet a NOCN Approved Centre and would like more information about becoming a NOCN centre and offering this qualification please see Become a Registered Centre on our website and complete the New Business Enquiry Form. 13

14 4. Component Information The NOCN Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Construction Operations and Civil Engineering Services consists of mandatory and optional Components which are detailed in section 1.3. To achieve this qualification a learner must provide evidence of learning and achievement against all of the assessment criteria within each Component. However a number of assessment criteria can be taught and assessed through one activity. A Component booklet, outlining the Components in full can be found on the NOCN website: Civil_E ng_serv_non_structural_concreting_-_unit_booklet_.pdf 14

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